Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a ‘Gold Investor in People’ award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
Purpose of the role
We’re looking for a Plant Operator to support our night-time maintenance team based out at our Longbridge depot. Working within the Area 9 Technology team, you’ll be part of a specialist delivery team undertaking repairs and maintenance to Highways Technology assets throughout the Area 9 National Highways Network. The Plant Operator role will be required to drive/operating specialist vehicles, including Maintenance Access Vehicle (MAV) and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) to enable the safe and successful delivery of these repair and maintenance activities.
Main Responsibilities
As a Plant Operator, you’ll be responsible for carrying out a wide range of maintenance and repair activities on Highways Technology assets across the Area 9 network. You'll operate and drive specialist vehicles and equipment, including Maintenance Access Vehicles (MAVs), Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), and HIAB cranes, ensuring all plant and vehicles are used safely and in line with company policy. Working closely with Technology Engineers, you’ll support fault response and routine maintenance tasks, playing a key part in delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient service. You’ll also complete daily vehicle checks, maintain accurate records of labour, plant, and material use, and contribute to a strong health and safety culture by adhering to defined procedures and risk assessments. This is a hands-on, team-based role where professionalism, flexibility, and a proactive attitude are essential.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a skilled and safety-conscious individual who holds a Class C HGV licence with CPC and has experience operating a Lorry Loader (HIAB), both of which are essential for this role. Ideally, you’ll also have an IPAF 1b MEWP qualification and previous experience in highways maintenance, although this isn’t essential. A positive, can-do attitude is crucial, along with the ability to work flexibly as part of a team, often under pressure and in varying weather conditions. Strong communication skills and a willingness to adapt to changing priorities are key, as is a commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety at all times.
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
A salary between £32,000-£35,000 (dependent on experience)
The role will be on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern, working nights to enable the delivery of the maintenance.
Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
20.5 days annual leave per year inclusive of bank holidays
Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
Ongoing personal / professional development
Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal